Adjustable Launch Ramp for Offshore Lifeboat Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lifeboat launching systems on offshore structures face challenges such as damage during launch due to varying heights and tilting of the structure, and high maintenance costs, especially with freefall lifeboats, which are heavy and require hydraulic lifts for return, making them unreliable and costly.
Innovation Solution
A device with a sloping launch ramp that can be translationally displaced vertically and horizontally to adjust its position optimally for launching, using guide rails and drive systems like winches or motors, and equipped with sensors to determine water level height and control systems for automatic positioning, allowing safe and reliable launches even during structural tilting or emergencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If freefall lifeboats are used for instant launch capability, then launch speed is improved, but device complexity increases due to requirement of hydraulic lifts for return
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the return function from the launch system by providing a separate towing arrangement that can retrieve lifeboats after launch. This separates the launch mechanism (which remains simple and fast) from the return mechanism, eliminating the need for complex hydraulic lifts on the launch ramp itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The towing arrangement serves multiple functions: it can retrieve lifeboats after freefall launch, assist in launching lifeboats that require slower deployment, and provide operational flexibility in various emergency scenarios. This multi-functional system replaces the need for dedicated hydraulic lift infrastructure.
2Productivity
If launch ramp height is increased to propel lifeboat away from structure, then launch effectiveness is improved, but object-affected harmful factors increase due to potential damage from excessive height
Solution Approach 1:
The launch ramp's inclination angle and height are made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. This allows the system to optimize the launch trajectory for different scenarios - steeper angles for greater clearance from the structure, shallower angles for safer launches when height is constrained - thereby balancing launch effectiveness with damage prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical parameters of the launch ramp (height, inclination angle) based on operational requirements and environmental conditions. By adjusting these parameters, the system can achieve optimal launch performance while maintaining safety margins to prevent lifeboat damage from excessive drop heights.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If launch ramp height is decreased to avoid wave impact, then object-affected harmful factors are reduced, but productivity decreases due to difficulty in launching
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable launch ramp allows dynamic adaptation to wave conditions. When waves are calm, the ramp can be positioned lower to avoid wave impact. When waves are larger or faster clearance is needed, the ramp angle and height can be increased to propel the lifeboat away from the structure more effectively, maintaining launch capability across varying sea states.
4Reliability
If multiple lifeboats are positioned on opposite sides of offshore installation, then reliability is improved for sufficient lifeboat availability, but device complexity increases due to need for multiple launch systems
Solution Approach 1:
The offshore installation's lifeboat system is segmented into multiple independent launch units distributed at different locations. Each unit is a self-contained launch system that can operate independently. This segmentation ensures that if one launch system becomes unavailable due to damage or fire, other segments remain functional, maintaining overall reliability without requiring a single complex centralized system.
5Speed
If extensible support arm with gravity extension is used to swing lifeboat away from platform, then launch speed is improved, but device complexity increases due to high fabrication and maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical extensible support arm systems with a simpler launch ramp configuration. Instead of using gravity-driven swinging arms that require precise mechanical linkages and extensions, the system uses a controlled ramp release mechanism that achieves similar rapid launch speeds with fewer moving parts and lower maintenance requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables quick, safe, and reliable launching of lifeboats from offshore structures by adjusting the launch ramp's position to optimal heights and angles, reducing the risk of damage and maintaining functionality even when structures tilt, while potentially lowering maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
A disadvantage with freefall lifeboats is that if launched, return to the launching system is only possible using means such as a hydraulic lift since such lifeboats are considerably heavier than lifeboats that are designed to be lowered from davits, so as to survive the impact with water.
Data Source
AI summary
Device (10) or apparatus for launching at least one boat (12) from a structure (14), that is at least partially surrounded by water (16), into the water. The device (10) comprises at least one launch ramp (18) and means to effect translational displacement of said at least one launch ramp (18) when the device (10) has been mounted on said structure (14) in order to enable the position of said at least one launch ramp (18) to be changed before launching said at least one boat (12) into the water (16).